Moffitt Cancer Center Begins $2.8 Million Quit-Smoking Study

April 28, 2010

Tampa, FL –Moffitt Cancer Centerreceived a $2.8 million research grant from the National Cancer Institute to test the effectiveness of smoking cessation booklets. The study will involve approximately 2,000 cigarette smokers who are interested in receiving information on how to quit smoking. Such booklets are widely distributed, but there is little research on how useful they are to smokers. Although the most effective way to quit smoking is by using a smoking-cessation medication combined with individual or group counseling, the vast majority of smokers prefer to quit without such intensive and expensive treatments.

“Most smokers want some help to quit smoking, but they are unable or unwilling to commit to a major treatment program,” said Thomas Brandon, Ph.D., director of the Tobacco Research and Intervention Program at Moffitt and psychology professor at the University of South Florida. “Instead, they often rely upon smoking-cessation pamphlets or booklets that they receive from their physician or a health organization. Our study will compare various smoking-cessation booklets to determine how well they actually help people quit smoking and then stay tobacco free.”

Smokers who sign up for the study will receive different booklets through the mail. They will also complete a brief survey every six months for 2½ years to give feedback on the booklets and to report whether they have quit smoking. There is no charge for the booklets, and participants will receive a small payment for completing each of the surveys.

“Moffitt’s mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer,” said Thomas Sellers, Ph.D., M.P.H., executive vice president, Cancer Prevention and Control. “Since smoking is the No. 1 cause of cancer deaths, we need to identify the best ways to reach smokers and help them quit. This study does just that.”

Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center - a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

Request an Appointment at Moffitt Cancer Center

Thank you for your interest in scheduling an appointment with our expert team. Please call us at 1-888-663-3488 and a patient services specialist can assist you with scheduling or click on one of the links below to fill out our convenient online form.

NEW PATIENTS To request a new patient appointment, please fill out the online form or call 1-888-663-3488.

RETURNING PATIENTS Since you are an established Moffitt patient, please call us directly to schedule your follow-up appointment at 1-888-663-3488.